to succumb
Loading your saved state.
to succumb
To give in to a temptation, a feeling, or an external influence; to no longer be able to resist.
Obwohl sie auf Diät war, erlag sie der Versuchung und aß ein Stück Schokolade.
Although she was on a diet, she succumbed to the temptation and ate a piece of chocolate.
to succumb
To die from the effects of a serious illness or injury. Usually used in formal language.
Der berühmte Schauspieler ist gestern seinen schweren Verletzungen erlegen.
The famous actor succumbed to his severe injuries yesterday.
This verb always requires the dative. You succumb to 'einer Sache' (something, dative), not 'eine Sache' (something, accusative). Pay attention to the correct noun ending.
Er ist dem Charme seiner Kollegin erlegen.
He succumbed to his colleague's charm.
'Erliegen' (to succumb) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'er-' remains firmly connected to the verb stem 'liegen' in all tenses and sentence constructions.
Sie wusste, dass sie der Versuchung erliegen würde.
She knew that she would succumb to the temptation.
The context makes the meaning clear. If it is about temptations, feelings, or stimuli, 'erliegen' (to succumb) means to give in. If it is about illnesses or injuries, it means to die.
Er erlag der Versuchung, noch ein Stück Kuchen zu essen.
He succumbed to the temptation to eat another piece of cake.
The meaning 'an etwas sterben' (to die from something) is mainly used in formal contexts such as news reports, police reports, or official statements. It sounds more elevated and detached.
Der Bergsteiger ist den Strapazen der Expedition erlegen.
The mountaineer succumbed to the hardships of the expedition.
to lose / to be subject to
Unterliegen and erliegen can both refer to a harmful external influence. Unterliegen emphasizes that someone or something is exposed to or subject to this influence; erliegen emphasizes actually giving in. Use unterliegen when there is no visible sign of giving in, and erliegen when a consequence has occurred.
Er erlag dem Druck der Werbung und kaufte das teure Gerät.
He succumbed to the pressure of advertising and bought the expensive device.
Viele Menschen unterliegen dem Druck der Werbung, ohne sofort etwas zu kaufen.
Many people are subject to pressure from advertising without immediately buying anything.
